Select Local Merchants

Back Country Excursions founder Cliff Krolick set up his mountain-biking base camp in 1991. Since, he has designed a mountain biking adventure off the beaten trail in a quiet area of the White Mt. Foothills, where he and his staff greatly enjoy working with all levels of mountain bikers. The 30 miles of trails, accessible with one-day or annual passes, traverse terrain suitable for both novice and advanced riders, from a gently rolling single track to fun but challenging descent peppered with slaloms and tree spring noose traps set by territorial squirrels. Cliff and his experienced crew of savvy mountain bikers guide and teach multi-day mountain biking tours through the wilderness with comfort of their mountain lodge or screened-in backcountry yurt. To ensure that the environment stays pristine for future generations, Cliff donates a portion of annual profits to a variety of local environmental causes.

A slab of wet clay spins between your hands and slowly begins to take the shape of a vase, a bowl, or a flower pot. Whatever your mind's eye conjures up, instructor Sarah Sorenson-Coppi is there to help guide your hands. During her adult or kid pottery classes, Sarah draws from her more than 18 years of experience to impart the techniques necessary to create a unique and functional work of art. As she does so, students can feel good about protecting the environment, as Sarah's studio is completely solar powered and made of sustainable materials.

Cosmotech School of Cosmetology's licensed instructors supervise a squadron of students as they gain experience performing a variety of hair, skin, and nail services. Budding stylists transform hair with flattering cuts and color treatments, whereas skin and nail technicians beautify and cleanse faces and fingertips with soothing facials and mani-pedis.

New Boston Farm utilizes its spacious equestrian center to teach and train enthusiasts of all ability levels to become skilled and safe horseback riders. In the indoor- and outdoor-riding retreat, beginners can learn the basics of sitting atop steeds, becoming acquainted with the psychology and physiology of the horse and its fascination with the telephone game. Fifty-minute introductory classes begin with standard pony preparation, which involves leading, grooming, and tacking up the horse before asking it for a piggyback ride and your own share of oats.

Helmed by Joshua and Jessica White, the defense experts of Western Maine Property Protection apply their experience in law enforcement to help citizens to protect their homes with security services as well as by teaching self-defense strategies. Claiming multiple training credentials that include NRA certifications, instructors lead classes in firearms and self-defense training to help individuals to operate firearms safely and feel confident in their strengths.
Should locals desire security protection for businesses or homes, the staff also extends its expertise to securing property, dispatching armed officers to check in on properties. To further enhance its services, Western Maine's team also helps clients to get discounts on ADT Security Services products, including monitoring systems that disable intruders through passive-aggressive remarks about their life choices.

When new owners Brian and Sue took over Tailgate Bar and Grill recently, they completely revamped the eatery, building a new stage for live entertainment and overhauling the menu. But since they knew a good thing when they saw it, the duo decided to keep the same friendly staff. These servers shuttle platters of crowd-pleasing American food from the kitchen, including slow-cooked barbecue ribs with cornbread and fish and chips made with flaky pieces of haddock. Plenty of beer and liquor keep guests hydrated as bands and DJs take the stage on select nights to play rock, blues, and country tunes.